I created a Spotify playlist compiled of songs and/or bands from the 1980s that reference a place, usually a specific place, but I took a wee bit of poetic license in order to make the playlist flow. For example, the Go-Gos "Vacation," Tears for Fears' "Mad World," etc. make an appearance.
The playlist is titled Around the World in 80s Songs. Get it? Hyuck hyuck hyuck! I know, I'm so clever [pats self on back].
Want the audiovisual tour? Well, pack your bags, fix up a drink w a cocktail umbrella, slap on those flip flops, and enjoy the trip!
There is so much 1980s shit going on here: Flock of Seagulls haircuts, clear vinyl bras, and smooth dance moves. Hahaha!
The colors in this video are practically technicolor! So vibrant!
The singer’s smile kinda creeps me out, but the woman’s RBF balances it out nicely.
One of my personal faves
When I was a youngun, I thought the chorus went something was, “Shyly all night it.” I am embarrassed to admit when I realized it was “Shariff don’t like it.” Let’s just say it was recently. Eek!
Kim Wilde is serving 80s ennui realness.
This video and Bowie’s China Girl are riff with cultural appropriation. I’m not sure videos like this would fly today…
One of the funnest bands to come into their own in the 1980s
RIP Ricky Wilson (the original guitarist)
I’d live here
The dancing in this video (check out 2 minutes in especially) is everything.
Old school Duran Duran is jaunty as fuck. I mean look at Simon LeBon’s bounce and those English Victorian schoolboy meets pirate meets gypsy outfits?! I. Cannot. EVEN.
Featuring the decade’s finest cutting edge technology!
I could do with less Cocktail clips and Tom Cruise’s mug, and more 1980s heartthrob hottie hottie fo-fahttie John Stamos on those steel drums (swoon)
Mick Jones is cool
This video is creepy, and I am not one to be easily creeped out! Must be the blackface. Eek!
This is the original version of the video. The infamous "blackface" that was removed is shown here.
Hip Hop Classic. Video quality is terrible, but the Rocksteady break dance crew footage is sweet
Oh these nice Jewish boys from Brooklyn! They literally went to the same high school as most of my friends. Beastie Boys 4Eva.
When I was a kid, Ad Rock was my favorite, as they evolved MCA’s charm grew on me and he eclipsed Ad Rock entirely in my eyes. And then when he turned to Buddhism?! Oh le sigh. Taken from us way too soon. Fuck cancer. RIP MCA.
Love him or hate him, David Lee Roth is an inimitable frontman. This fun video was nominated for several 1985 MTV Video Music Awards.
The marriage of live action with cartoons is a very 80s things. Here’s looking at you Paula Abdul and Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
#80srockabilly
One of the best travel songs ever
Public Service Announcement: the drinks are no longer free at Club Tropicana :-(
Also, let’s have a moment to oogle at the late George Michael’s nubile beauty, and to honor Michael’s contributions to music. Such a beautiful voice. RIP George Michael.
Look at that fancy footwork will ya?
I am about everything in this video (I mean, it’s Prince) EXCEPT his keyboardist in scrubs. Why?
This is Prince before he became a legend. So talented! RIP Prince.
Damn there’s a lot of armpit in this video.
Classic Madonna
Crappy video quality, lovely underrated song
Dale Bozzio (vocalist) is kinda my 80s spirit animal. That hair, that strategically placed beauty mark, I cannot.
1.5 minutes of LIVE RAWK!
The video is taken from a pro-shot from Vredenburg, Utrecht, The Netherlands (1990-09-25). The audio is taken from the Death To The Pixies live disc which was from the same concert. The audio on the video is not of a quality of the official release so the two sources were synced up.
Worth a watch just to see lil baby Peppers perform their first song ever! 1985 forever!
This list wouldn’t be worth shit if this gem wasn’t included.
“Straight outta Compton, crazy motherfucker named Ice Cube…” is one of the best rap openings in hip hop ever. Keep it simple.
David Lee Roth is a flamboyant, unapologetic ham with a sense of humor. His IDGAF attitude combined w his obvious need for adoration is something I can get behind. Totally projecting here, but whatevs. I crush on him not in a sexual way (no thanks. not my type), but more in a “I wanna be you” way…
With a cameo from Leonard Nimoy (RIP)
Other than that, full disclosure, this video is firmly meh.
I remember thinking this was the weirdest, coolest video ever when it would come on MTV.
“There's too many men
Too many people
Making too many problems
And not much love to go round
Can't you see
This is a land of confusion.”
Unfortunately, we still live in this land of confusion. #makelovenotwar
Slowing things down just a smidge, but it would be criminal not to include this beautiful gem. RIP Freddie Mercury.
When taking a trip around the world, why not spend Christmas in Hollis? There better be some Addidas and a Kangol under the tree.
Vacation with the Griswolds? I’m cool, thanks!
Ready to Wang Chung tonight?
I love the chorus of this song.
I wonder why I live alone here
I wonder why we spend these nights together
Is this the room I'll live my life forever
I wonder why in LA
To live and die in LA
Oh look at baby Sting, exuding sensuality with every dance move! Le swoon
When the world is running down
You make the best of what's still around
Mature Sting. Still hot as f’.
Arguably one of the greatest Christmas song of all time. You could go to Hollis w Run DMC during the day and to New York with the Pogues for Christmas dinner :-)
Everything dies, baby that's a fact
But maybe everything that dies some day comes back.
Put your makeup on, fix your hair up pretty
And meet me tonight in Atlantic city.
And finally, we spend the heat of the moment in Asia
I hope you enjoyed the trip! If you are as anal as I am, you noticed there are not 80 videos. Well, some songs (obvi) don't have videos or have videos of too shitty a quality. Whatever. My blog, my rules.
